Schering-Plough and Oncomethylome collaborate against brain cancer

In the collaboration, the DNA methylation status of the MGMT gene is being evaluated for its potential role in optimizing Temodar therapy in patients with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer.

Temodar is marketed by Schering-Plough and is a well established for the treatment of certain types of brain tumors.

Under the terms of the agreement, Schering-Plough receives a worldwide, non-exclusive license from Oncomethylome Sciences to use its pharmacogenomic assays and technology to evaluate methylation status of the MGMT gene in GBM patients treated with Temodar.

The collaboration will initially focus on glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer, with the possibility to expand the scope to other types of cancers and, potentially, other Schering-Plough products. Oncomethylome Sciences will receive an upfront license payment, milestone payments and sample processing fees from Schering-Plough. Additional financial terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

“We hope these pharmacogenomic technologies will help to expand our understanding of how to optimize Temodar therapy and support efforts to achieve improved clinical outcomes for these patients,” said Dr Robert Spiegel, chief medical officer and senior vice president, medical affairs, Schering-Plough Research Institute.